The Oxford English Dictionary says that names are but arbitrary labels — but we don’t agree. Sure, that which we call a wine, by any other name would taste as sweet, but we think knowing it’s story gives it legs.
With that, we’re digging through some of Ontario’s most oddly named edibles and sharing their stories with you!
THE ORGANIZED CRIME n. — 1. a category of transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals, who intend to engage in illegal activity, most commonly for money and profit. 2. A boutique winery in the Niagara region, specifically on the Beamsville bench.
When asked why the name, Jan & Krystyna Tarasewicz of The Organized Crime smile coyly. You see, the story goes that sometime in the early-to-mid 1900’s there were two quarreling Mennonite congregations in the area. They constantly bickered and fought. One of the things the fought about most was a pipeorgan.
For those of you who don’t know, a pipe organ is a rather hefty musical instrument, not unlike a piano — but attached to many large wind pipes.
The feud eventually resulted in one congregation breaking into the other’s church and unceremoniously tossing the organ down the escarpment — an act that inspired the naming of the winery!
Now you know.
To find out more about The Organized Crime and their line-up of pun-tastic wines (like Pipe Down or Mischief!), visit organizedcrimewinery.com.
To discover other wineries on the Beamsville Bench, check out Wine Country Ontario and start planning your next edible adventure today!
